Helping out the giant African bullfrog

MIDRAND – Massive, 20-year-old bullfrog rescued and released.

October 13, 2017

Staff reporter 2 minutes read

Friends of Free Wildlife's Claudius Sibanda bathes the African bullfrog. Photo: Friends of Free Wildlife

The conflict between urban wildlife and development is something experienced on a regular basis.

This is according to Wendy Brodie of Friends of Free Wildlife, a community-based, public-funded volunteer organisation that is based on Maple Road in Kyalami.

Brodie explained that a giant African bullfrog (pyxicephalus adspersus) was unearthed during building works near Midrand. “The site manager recognised that he was a ‘special frog’ and took him to SPCA Midrand. From there he was collected by Free Wildlife volunteer, Lana Gassner and brought to the centre,” said Brodie.

“Once admitted he was weighed and was a whopping 850g! We thought he was a male because of his large size. After a few phone calls to people who are familiar with this species, we reconnected with Professor Graham Alexander of Wits University.

Friends of Free Wildlife rehabilitated this African bullfrog before releasing him in Midrand. Photo: Friends of Free Wildlife

“Graham is the professor of herpetology and has long played a supportive role for us over the past 15 years. He advised we release the frog back into the Bullfrog Reserve Pan in Midrand.”

Brodie said that after a couple of days, Claudius Sibanda, Lana Gassner and Margi Brocklehurst met Alexander at the pan to find an ideal place to release the bullfrog.

This African bullfrog was unearthed during construction in Midrand and weighed 850g. Photo: Friends of Free Wildlife

“The hole was dug and the bullfrog settled in about 15cms below the surface in the soft and friable soil, about five to six metres from the edge of the pan,” explained Brodie.

“Graham assessed the bullfrog to most probably be a male and guessed his age to be approximately 20 years old.” Brodie added that he was a mature and beautiful animal.

She said Friends of Free Wildlife hoped to return to the pan later in summer to assist with a count of the number of bullfrogs that reside there. “The last count was a few years ago and at that time over 200 were noted,” she said.

If you come across urban indigenous wildlife in need of rehabilitation, contact Friends of Free Wildlife. Rescue details, a map and a wish list can be found on the centre’s website.

Friends of Free Wildlife rely on the generosity of the community, Brodie concluded.

Details: Friends of Free Wildlife website friendsoffreewildlife.co.za or Margi Brocklehurst 082 561 3681.